I love fall!

In honor of fall and the last day of September, I've decided to change my background. I love fall! I love the cool weather and wearing sweaters and jackets. I love the smell of leaves and of pumpkin candles. I love Halloween, carving pumpkins, and eating baked pumpkin seeds. I love going to the mountains and seeing all of the leaves change. I love the memories that I've made with family and friends and for some reason fall just brings that out. I love stepping on leaves and hearing that sound. I love going on walks during fall. Anyway, you get the picture. This year is the first year that I didn't go "back to school" and I actually miss it. I don't miss the homework or the tests but I miss the whole new clothes, new books feeling. I guess I'll just have to wait until I have kids who are old enough to go to school. We're doing really good and should have some more updates on everything soon. I hope everyone is doing good and enjoys conference weekend!

Pregnancy Comments and Gratitude

So things are good... My blood pressure is lower and according to the doctor everything is on track. I’m 26 weeks and it finally feels more like I am making progress in this pregnancy. A little while ago someone thought that I was having twins. Those who know me and have been pregnant before understand why at first that statement isn’t the most flattering. Most people are surprised when I say I’m due at the end of December, they think I should be due sooner. I’ve gotten plenty of comments on how terrible it will be to have a baby born around Christmas and how we will have to make their day extra special. And the advice from people I hardly know keeps on coming every time I go to church or work. At first all of this really bugged me and irritated me. I don’t get mad very often but some of these women would make me really angry. But when I take a minute and let all those comments pass and really think about the little girl inside me everything just seems to go away. I’m so grateful to have her and a husband who is so loving and caring in every way. Things haven’t been easy in a number of ways and it’s funny how Heavenly Father tries you and tests you to help you to become more grateful. I got this quote on an email the other day that I wanted to share.

"Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: 'Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 59:7)."The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace."When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?"President David O. McKay observed, 'We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous. '
~Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35 36

I am grateful for the things in my life that make me who I am and shape me in to more of the person that Heavenly Father wants me to be. I’m grateful for the power of prayer. Sometimes it’s hard to know that our prayers are working and really being heard but I know they are because we have a Father who loves us and knows what is best for us. And I’m grateful to everyone in my life who,in little and big ways, help me to see who I am.